A 4.5x14 gives you a nice range of magnification, and that statement about "rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it" is just about as correct as a fellow can get. I hunted for years with a 4 power and then went to a 3x9 and then went to a straight 6 power and then moved to a 4.5x14. That last magnification range is just right for me. I can hunt the thicker areas on my place at 4.5 power and then go to whatever power I want (usually 8) for the open fields. And I will shoot at 14 power if the pig or coyote is way out there. The obvious answer to all of this is to buy what you personally want. After decades of hunting, I have done that. And the Leupold and Burris 4.5x14's are no bigger than my Dad's Zeiss Conquest 3x9, or if there is a difference it isn't noticeable.

As for scanning, I only use binocs for that. But if I see a big buck at the edge of my farthest field (500 yards or so), I will switch to the highest power I have to learn what I can. For that, more power is better. And if I find somebody in my crosshairs, he's trespassing.

Im in the More Power Group My 223 has a 6-24 x 56 on it. I do find most times Yote Hunting i am down to 8 power though. But for dogs at 300 yards. I definetly would be on 24 power. Or for Punching holes in paper i would be on 24 power

Im in the More Power Group My 223 has a 6-24 x 56 on it. I do find most times Yote Hunting i am down to 8 power though. But for dogs at 300 yards. I definetly would be on 24 power. Or for Punching holes in paper i would be on 24 power
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Can't help but smile about "when a coyote is running, he's gone". Heck, I hunt on pretty open ground and when a coyote is in full gear I don't think I can hit him at any range, so he's 'gone' for me too. I missed one a couple of years ago at maybe 60 yards (he was trotting, Ok?) and MAN he got into high gear so fast that I was stunned. He was just a blur as he disappeared into the distance.

I also have lots of rifles, but try to stick with the same brand or at least ones that have the same safety location/operation. Scopes seem to be a special problem; however, since, when walking around with a varmint rifle, I may forget to adjust the AO for a shorter range, and/or turn the power down.

All my deer rifles are bolt actions and have 3-9X scopes, two are Remingtons and one a Tikka, but all have the same safety location/operation. My CZ .22 magnum "walk-about" (non-deer) rifle has a "reversed" safety operation that bugs me, but am fairly familiar with it now, but usually turn it on and off several times when in the field, just to become fully comfortable with the "backwards" operation.

My .223 AR is topped with a 1-4x scope. Shots are taken from 10 all the way out to 600 yards for 3-gun competition, but I would have no problem taking a 300 yard shot on a coyote with the setup if I had to....standing or running

Running coyote better not stop until way past 400 yards, particularly if I 'm holding a semi auto. Pooh pooh to unsportsmanlike conduct. Coyotes are verdammt enemies of the state, and 600 yards is still pretty far from out of range.

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